I am pleased to offer three traveling exhibitions of African and African Diaspora arts based on research among the Yoruba peoples in West Africa and diaspora and the Siddis of Karnataka, India: Whirling Return of the Ancestors; Soulful Stitching: Patchwork Quilts by Africans in India (Co-curated with Sarah K. Khan) and Joyful Blues: Yoruba Indigo-Dyed Cloths. These exhibits reflect our interest in arts of African peoples and their descendants scattered across the globe, and our belief that these arts are vital, powerful expressions of their histories, cultures, identities and aspirations. More information is available by clicking on the links below.

To inquire about any of these exhibitions, I encourage you to contact me. More information is available by clicking on the links below....

Whirling Return of the Ancestors

Whirling Return of the Ancestors presents the rich and varied artistry of Egúngún masquerades and other arts inspired by a tradition that honors and celebrates the power and eternal presence of ancestors among Yorùbá peoples in West Africa, and their descendants in the Americas. An earlier version of this exhibition was prepared with Bolaji Campbell.

Contents: Traveling exhibit of approx. 25-30 pieces (2-3 ensembles, sculptures, paintings, photographs, and film

 

Soulful Stitching: Patchwork Quilts by Africans in India

The Siddis are Indians of African descent. During my first visit to Karnataka, I was amazed to find that their distinctive textiles are practically unknown, even within India. "Soulful Stitching" showcases exquisite work by artists who are members of the Siddi Womens' Quilt Cooperative, which is keeping this textile tradition alive and vibrant.

Exhibit Reviews: Holland Cotter (NYT) and Roberta Smith (NYT)

 

Joyful Blues: Yoruba Indigo-Dyed Cloths

“Joyful Blues” is a refined selection of Yoruba indigo-dyed cloths or adire, richly patterned with hand-painted, stenciled, tied and stitched resist techniques. I collected these adire in the Oje Market in Ibadan between 1975 and 1986. Today older adire is rarely found in markets, and only one workshop is maintaining the art form and attempting to adapt it to contemporary fashions.